Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham is expected to be sidelined for about a month after sustaining a calf injury during training on Friday, August 23, 2024, according to reports from Spain.
Confirming the injury in a statement, Real Madrid said, “Following tests carried out today on Jude Bellingham by Real Madrid’s medical team, the player has been diagnosed with an injury to the plantaris muscle in his right leg.”
The club, however, did not specify the exact duration of his absence.
Mr Bellingham is set to miss several key fixtures, including La Liga matches against Real Valladolid, Las Palmas, and Real Betis, as well as England’s Nations League games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland in September.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, speaking at a press conference earlier on Friday, August 23, 2024, stated, “He took a knock, we’re evaluating it.”
The 21-year-old midfielder played a crucial role for Madrid last season, helping the team secure a Champions League and La Liga double.
This season, Bellingham has been deployed in a central midfield role, adjusting to the arrival of striker Kylian Mbappé after playing in a more advanced position last year.
Mr Bellingham will focus on recovering in time for Real Madrid’s first Champions League match of the season, scheduled to take place between September 17-19.